Communal Leader Ernie Kahn Retires

A Jewish communal force of nature takes some time out to attend his own retirement party.

It's been one of those inside jokes making the rounds of the Jewish community whenever Dr. Ernie Kahn announces his retirement — it's usually met with a knowing wink and a joke.

But this time, apparently, it's for real. Philadelphia’s iconic — and indefatigable — 88-year-old community leader officially announced his retirement and had the party to prove it.

The ever-active omnipresent official first came to the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia as director of allocations and planning in 1978 and has performed in countless capacities for the agency since, including acting executive director.

He was saluted by friends and cohorts at his retirement party, hosted by Federation at the Jewish Community Services Building in Center City.